KARACHI, March 16: Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul- Ebad Khan, has called for setting up a joint task force to eliminate encroachments in a coordinated action and ensure they don’t reappear. The governor said the task force should be notified within few days. He gave these directives while presiding over a meeting at Governor House to discuss provision of facilities in Hawkesbay Scheme-42 and grant of ownership rights to allottees.

Addressing the meeting, Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad said if the land under the development authorities control is not utilised, they are encroached. He said after the action against encroachments, it should be ensured that these do not re-emerge.

He directed that the system for granting ownership rights be fully computerised and Nadra’s assistance be sought in this regard. He cited the example of Taisar Town where, he pointed out, various matters including allotment of plots are dealt with in a complete computerised system, in which the people have expressed complete confidence.

The Governor expressed displeasure at the slow pace of handing over land to allottees and said ownership rights be granted speedily. He stressed on immediate ballotting of remaining plots.

The DG Lyari Development Authority Sarfraz Ahmed, while briefing the Governor said that the process for granting ownership rights to 29,000 allottees has started.

He said, 100 acres land was earmarked for godowns in Hawkesbay scheme. He said on the 300 feet wide road, besides three lanes, reservation has been kept for 30 feet wide service roads while provision of basic facilities will be made soon.

He was informed that balloting for the remaining 9,000 plots which include 80, 240 and 400 square yard plots will be done soon and applications invited through advertisements. The governor directed the Chief Secretary Shakil Durrani to dispose of pending matters immediately.

The meeting was attended by Sindh Chief Secretary Shakil Durrani, City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal, Principal Secretary Mohammed Saleem Khan, Secretary Law, CCPO Karachi, Governor's Special Secretary Javed Hanif, MD Water Board, EDO Revenue, Director Generals of development authorities and other senior officers.